Sample distribution apparatus/system

ABSTRACT

A pathology distribution system  10  is provided for automated sample container  14, 15  distribution. The system  10  comprises a loading station  500  for loading samples in primary containers  14  of different types, a sample handling station  16  for receiving the containers  14  and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station  38  for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station  38  marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to a pathology sample distributionapparatus/system and in particular but not limited to an automatedpathology specimen tube distribution apparatus/system for use in medicalpathology laboratories.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In pathology industries samples from different sources need to beanalysed for different reasons. Some of the samples may also need to besplit or apportioned for multiple analysis. It is desired to automatethe distribution systems for these samples so that there is minimumhuman involvement in the distribution.

[0003] For example, the collection and analysis of samples includingpathology specimens such as blood involve numerous steps which are proneto human errors could result in disastrous consequences for both themedical laboratory and the patients concerned. One fundamental areawhere such errors can occur is the transfer of the specimen from primaryspecimen tubes containing the specimen first collected from a patient tosecondary sample tubes which thereby contain aliquot of the specimen foractual analysis by an analysing instrument. Major problems occur wherethe tubes are incorrectly labelled or the tubes are of an incorrect typefor a particular test specifically requisitioned by a physician. Inorder to solve these and other problems, most pathology laboratorieshave in place numerous time consuming manual checking procedures. As aconsequence of the advent of highly contagious and dangerous diseasessuch as AIDS and hepatitis and advances in computer technology, much ofthe organisation and transfer of the secondary sample tubes to racks orholders for the purpose of analysis is now substantially automated. Thewhole process is often monitored to an extent such that an enquiry ofthe computer system involved will reveal the location of the primaryspecimen tubes and/or secondary sample tubes at any stage of the tubemanagement and analytical process.

[0004] Invariably, pathology specimen distribution centres are oftenplaced invidiously in what can only be described as a “meat in thesandwich” situation. This may be given by way of example where adistribution centre has to decide which test is appropriate when thefull spectrum of test procedures is not known or understood by areferring physician, or, when a scientist responsible for the analyticalprocedures has not clearly spelt out to specimen collecting staff whattype and amount of specimen are required. This situation is oftenresolved by obtaining further specimens from the patient.

[0005] This practice is wasteful of time and resources such asdisposable and extra specimen tubes or containers. The possibility oferrors in such situations is often further compounded by the limitationsof the laboratory's computer information management system (LIMS) whichis only as accurate as the information provided to it.

[0006] Many laboratories continue to employ a manual specimen tubemanagement system because their primary focus is in the analysis ofsamples and the actual reporting of the analysis results. Unless thelaboratory has an automated specimen distribution system, human errorscan easily occur in any manual specimen tube management system which areoften to the detriment of other areas of the analysis. As a consequenceof the absence of an accurate and fail safe tube management system, itmay be impossible to know if a correct specimen type has been collecteduntil it is delivered to the scientist at the analyser. The scientistwill also have to decide at this stage whether a sufficient volume ofthe sample has been collected for the particular analysis and whether ornot the sample, for example if it is blood, is too haemolysed or clottedfor a particular test to be carried out. As a result many of the errorsfound in laboratories have their origin at the specimen distributioncentre and such errors become compounded as the laboratory processcontinues. Further the absence of automated tube management systemsoften leads to inefficient manual sample storage facilities resulting inthe misplacement of samples received so that the result obtained ifinconsistent with what is expected has to be rechecked by re-running thetest against a reference source to verify the particular infection. Inlaboratories where there are no reliable sample storage systems, thereis usually a proliferation of various systems which are not undercomputer control resulting in unnecessary costs including resources andconsumables for further tests as mentioned above.

[0007] In attempting to identify these and other problems, the applicanthas listed a number of deficient areas found in current manual systemsand those systems necessarily involving other instruments and tests.Some of these deficiencies include the transportation of uncappedprimary and secondary tubes resulting in the increased possibility ofcontamination. The fact that the same specimen can be collected indifferent tube types having different colour coded caps can also resultin confused or erroneous readings by instruments or staff unfamiliarwith a particular manufacturer's colour coding scheme.

[0008] In addition, the presence of different cap types and differentclot activating substances being used by different physicians forcollected blood specimens can cause the laboratory to restrict itself toone collection tube manufacture in the interest of eliminating errors.

[0009] Furthermore, the particular tube transport mechanism associatedwith a specific test often dictates the design of the laboratory andresults in restricting the tube management system to one analysis typeonly.

[0010] Other limitations include the inability to distribute samplesfrom one collection resulting in multiple collections of the samespecimen type where it is necessary to repeat the same test or whereother tests on the same type of specimen are involved.

[0011] Known attempts to overcome certain of the above problems includea number of systems presently in operation which may be broadlycategorised as follows:

[0012] 1. An existing manually controlled system is modified by takingadvantage of various analysers that are capable of bar code reading andmanually interfacing them with the laboratory's existing computerinformation management system based on bar coding. This has oftenresulted in the collection of more specimens from the patients in orderto distribute each separate collection tube to a specific analyserresulting in a wastage of specimen and problems associated where a greatnumber of tubes have to be handled, for example, misplacement of sampletubes, accidental spillage and contamination.

[0013] 2. Systems which utilise a conveyor belt that transports thecollected specimen tubes to an appropriate work station where a tube iscaptured and acted upon by a number of processes inclusive of picking upthe tube and putting it in a storage rack. The system then recaps thespecimen tubes and transports the capped tubes to their destination. Inthis system there is no computerised management system so that eachlaboratory has to write its own manually controlled management system inrespect of the whole process.

[0014] 3. Systems which utilise the conveyor belt system but are limitedby utilising one manufacturer's specimen tube type only. This systemprocesses the specimen by the tipping the collection tube in an invertedposition, inserting a disposable plastic device into the specimen tubeand then pumping in air to expel a sample of the specimen to a secondarytube of a certain type.

[0015] 4. Systems which use arobotic arm to uncap and distributespecimen tubes in which the primary specimen is collected without anydistribution or transfer of sample amounts or aliquot to secondarytubes.

[0016] 5. Systems which utilise a needle to pierce the cap of theprimary specimen tube and distribute sample aliquot to unlabelled anduncapped secondary tubes in a rack that holds all the tubes associatedwith the particular primary specimen tube.

[0017] Specific problems which have been identified by the applicantassociated with the prior art systems described above include thefollowing:

[0018] 1. Conveyor belt systems are large and bulky and often cut acrossdoorways and require major remodelling and restructuring of thelaboratory.

[0019] 2. Prior art tube distribution systems are often restricted toprimary specimen tubes and secondary sample tubes of a certain type ormake. Where specimen and/or sample tubes are of types different from thetype associated with the particular prior art system, breakages of thetubes during processing can occur and thereby resulting in the loss ofthe specimen and/or contamination of the apparatus.

[0020] 3. There is often an absence of an on board computerised tubemonitoring facility to keep track of the physical status of the tubes.If the tubes are left uncapped, the systems can result in exposure ofthe uncapped tubes causing contamination of the sample as well as thelaboratory environment.

[0021] 4. Systems where the available sample volume is not measuredprior to the aspiration of the sample resulting in the situation thatmultiple samples cannot be obtained from the single specimen. Forexample where one tube of blood is insufficient for the battery of testsrequested and therefore two or more samples have to be further collectedfrom the patient.

[0022] 5. Systems which are restricted to certain types of specimenssuch that the systems are not able to cope with specimens of serum,plasma, urine and other fluids from a single patient.

[0023] 6. Systems where the recapping of primary specimen tubes are madewith another cap resulting in higher running costs and designconstraints which may result in spillage and the possibility ofcontamination when a tube is broken or dropped due to the extra handlingof the tube associated with the recapping process.

[0024] 7. A restriction on rack types or holders required by separateanalysing instrument systems.

[0025] 8. The absence of systems where there is an automated labellingof the secondary sample tubes resulting in an increased chance of humanerrors.

[0026] 9. Systems where the cost effective sealing of secondary tubes bythe use of plastic laminate instead of caps is not provided for.

[0027] 10. Systems which cannot identify the physical characteristics ofa particular specimen tube and/or the specimen in the tube prior toprocessing.

[0028] 11. Systems which cannot process more than one type of primaryspecimen tube or secondary sample tube as previously described.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0029] It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviateto some degree one or more of the abovementioned problems associatedwith prior art sample distributors presently in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In one aspect therefore the invention resides in a samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers of different types and the containerseach containing a sample for pathology analysis and an identificationindicator for the sample. The apparatus comprises a container handlingstation arranged for receiving the containers in turn. The handlingstation includes a container identification means for obtaining one ormore characteristics of a container presented for identification andidentifying the container type by comparing the obtained characteristicor characteristics with predetermined characteristics of the containertypes. A container type is identified when the obtained characteristicor characteristics match or are within a predetermined range frommatching one or one set of the predetermined characteristics. Thehandling station also includes a sample identification means foridentifying the sample by obtaining the identification indicator on thepresented container. The obtained sample identification is used for thepathology analysis prescribed for the sample.

[0031] Preferably the container identification means is an imageanalyser. The image analyser may have a digital camera for capturing animage containing the one or more characteristics of the container and alight source for illuminating the container. Said one or morecharacteristics may include a dimension or dimensions of the container,one or more areas of the container and the colour of the cap of thecontainer.

[0032] More preferably the image analyser is arranged to detect thelevel of the sample. In this regard the handling station is providedwith a controller which controls a rotatable container receiving meansfor positioning the container so that a window in the container allowingthe sample to be visible externally is positioned before the imageanalyser. Desirably the sample identification means produces a signal tothe controller when the sample identification indicator is detected andthe controller in turn stops the container at a predetermined positionso that the window is before the analyser.

[0033] The image captured through the window is conveniently employedfor determining the level and/or volume of the sample available foranalysis.

[0034] In preference the sample identification means is a bar codescanner and the sample identification indicator is a bar coded labelfixed to the container.

[0035] In a second aspect therefore the present invention resides in asample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distributionsystem having a plurality of containers and the containers eachcontaining a sample for pathology analysis. The apparatus comprises acontainer distributor having a cap removal and replacement means. Thecap removal and replacement means includes a container holder movablewith respect a rotatable cap engagement and removal means. In operationa capped container positioned in the holder which is controllably movedtowards the cap engagement and removal means. The cap engagement andremoval means includes jaw members arranged to grip onto the cap androtate the cap as the holder moves away from the cap engagement andremoving means thereby uncapping the container. Replacement of the capis enabled by moving the uncapped container towards the cap gripped bythe jaw members and the cap engagement and removal means rotates the jawmembers and thereby rotating the cap as the container is pushed onto thecap.

[0036] In a third aspect therefore the present invention resides in asample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distributionsystem having a plurality of containers and the containers eachcontaining a sample for pathology analysis. The apparatus comprises acontainer distributor having sample aspiration and/or dispensing meansfor aspirating and/or dispensing volumetrically a predetermined portionof the sample in or to a container. The sample aspiration and/ordispensing means includes a pipette tip holder for holding a pluralityof pipette tips, a pipette probe, an articulated arm arranged forremoving a pipette tip from the holder and place the pipette tip on theprobe, and a pipette tip removing means to remove the pipette tip fromthe probe for deposition in a disposal receptacle.

[0037] In a fourth aspect the present invention resides in a samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis. The apparatus comprises a blockagedetection means for detecting blockage of flow in a sample aspirationmeans including a pipette tip for aspirating volumetrically apredetermined portion of a samples in a container. A pipette tipcontroller is arranged to move the tip towards the sample in thecontainer. The blockage detection means includes a pressure sensitivemodule having a pump for aspiration of the sample through the tip. Theblockage detection means is arranged to detect blockage in the tip andthereby to provide a warning signal and to cause the operation of thesample aspiration means to be arrested until the blockage has beenresolved.

[0038] The station also has a sample level detection means whichincludes a low pressure generating means for applying low pressure tothe aspiration means, pressure sensor means for sensing the pressure inthe aspiration means and an actuator for moving the tip towards thesample. The sample level is detected when the pressure as sensed by thesensor means exceeds a predetermined margin from a fixed pressure.

[0039] In a fifth aspect the present invention resides in a samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis a pathology specimen tube distributor. Theapparatus comprises container sealing means for sealing containers withsamples dispensed therein. The container sealing means includes a sourceof heat sensitive laminate tape; means for punching the tape to formcaps for the containers; means for placing each said caps over the topof a container and means for heating the cap over the container to causethe laminate to seal the container.

[0040] The laminate tape preferably is dispensed from spools or reels.

[0041] In a sixth aspect of the present invention resides in a samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis. The apparatus comprises automaticlabelling means for the application of adhesive labels to containerswith samples dispensed therein. The automatic labelling means includesone or more spools of adhesive labels, means to provide sampleidentification indicators on the adhesive labels; a sampleidentification means to verify that the indicators on the labelscorresponds to the indicators of containers from which the samples areaspirated, and means for detecting errors in the indicators on thelabelled containers or the absence of a label.

[0042] In a seventh aspect the present invention resides in a samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers for pathology analysis, each containerhaving a closed end and an open end. The apparatus comprises hoppermeans for receiving and delivering one or more of the containers, andhaving container alignment means for aligning the containers from anyposition to a vertical position with the open ends positioned to receivesamples.

[0043] Preferably the container alignment means includes a rotarymagazine having circumferentially located compartments to holdhorizontally positioned containers, a sideways plunger member arrangedin co-operation with the magazine and a guide positioned beneath themagazine to change the position of the containers released from themagazine from the horizontal to the vertical position. In operation theplunger member pushes a closed end of a container so that the displacedcontainer released from the magazine falls into the guide in thevertical position. Said co-operating plunger member when not in contactwith a closed end, does not push a container which when released, fallsinto the guide in the vertical position.

[0044] In an eighth aspect the present invention resides in a pathologysample distribution system having a plurality of containers of differenttypes and the containers each containing a sample for pathology analysisa pathology specimen. The system comprises a loading station for loadingsaid containers, a container handling station arranged to receive thecontainers in turn from the loading station, and distribution stationwith areas or distribution holders marked for specific analysingprocesses. The handling station has one or a combination of two or moreof the apparatus as described above.

[0045] In a ninth aspect therefore the present invention resides in asample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distributionsystem having a plurality of containers and the containers eachcontaining a sample for pathology analysis. The apparatus comprises aloading station having a conveyor arrangement for conveying thecontainers in position to be loaded onto a tube handling station. Theconveyor arrangement includes a movable conveyor surface on whichcarriers for carrying said containers can be placed. The conveyorsurface has a first section arranged with a barrier dividing said firstsection into a buffer zone and a by-pass passage for the carriers. Thebuffer zone has an entrance and a diversion part is arranged adjacent tothe entrance. In operation the diversion part diverts carriers carryingcontainers into the buffer zone and empty carriers continue to move intothe by-pass passage.

[0046] Preferably The diversion part is arranged so that when the bufferzone is full of carriers carrying tubes, other carriers with or withouttubes continue to move into the by-pass passage.

[0047] It is desired that buffer zone has a controllably actuable memberpositioned opposite to said entrance and the actuable member iscontrolled to push a carrier out of the buffer zone. Typically theactuable member is actuated when the container on a carrier has beenloaded onto the handling station or a rejected tube is placed on acarrier in the buffer zone.

[0048] The conveyor surface may also have a second section arranged witha barrier dividing said second section into a reject zone for receivingcarriers with rejected containers and a by-pass passage for othercarriers. The reject zone has a diversion part arranged to divertcarriers carrying rejected containers into the reject zone and to allowempty carriers continue to move into the reject zone by-pass passage.

[0049] In a tenth aspect therefore the present invention resides in apathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers ofdifferent types and the containers each containing a sample forpathology analysis. The system comprises:

[0050] primary container identification means; the identification meansincluding a bar code scanner to scan bar coded labels and an imageanalyser to analyse one or more characteristics of the container and/orthe sample in therein;

[0051] primary container cap removal and replacement means;

[0052] hopper means having container alignment means for deliveringsecondary containers each with a closed end and an open end in avertical position and with the open ends in position to receive samples;

[0053] sample aspiration and/or dispensing means for aspirating and/ordispensing volumetrically proportions of the samples from the primarycontainer;

[0054] blockage detection means for detecting blockage of flow in thesample aspiration means;

[0055] secondary container sealing means;

[0056] secondary container labelling means;

[0057] secondary container storage means;

[0058] container conveyance means;

[0059] wherein in operation each primary container containing a sampleis presented to the identification means and the container is acceptedor rejected according to given criteria; the identification means beingarranged to reject a container when it fails to detect the givencriteria and thereby indicating the presence of an error condition,

[0060] when the given criteria are detected the cap of the primarycontainer is removed and aliquots of the sample aspirated by the sampleaspiration and/or dispensing means are dispensed to the secondarycontainer or containers which are then sealed and labelled and placed inthe storage means; and whereby

[0061] the conveyance of the primary containers and secondary containersbetween operational steps is via the container conveyance means and thewhole process is coordinated and controlled by a computerised laboratoryinformation management system.

[0062] Suitably the primary container identification means is areceptacle for placing a capped primary container, and has a bar codescanner for scanning a bar coded label on the container and an imageanalyser for analysing the colour of the cap of the container, thediameter, height and shape characteristics of the container as well asthe type and height of each layer of the sample in the container.

[0063] Preferably the given criteria by which the primary container isaccepted or rejected by the identification means includes the followingcriteria.

[0064] 1. Is the primary container bar code present?

[0065] 2. Is the presented primary container appropriate for the testsrequested?

[0066] 3. What type of container is being presented?

[0067] 4. Does the container need to be sampled?

[0068] 5. What is the available sample volume?

[0069] 6. What is the height restriction for a pipette tip to aspiratethe sample?

[0070] 7. What speed should the pipette travel to maintain its tip justbelow the surface of the sample during the aspiration process?

[0071] 8. What secondary containers have to be generated?

[0072] 9. What information has to be present on each label of thesecondary containers?

[0073] 10. What destination rack is associated with the primarycontainer and the or each secondary container?

[0074] 11. What is the order of filling the rack?

[0075] 12. What spaces have to be left on the rack so that standards andcontrols can be later added?

[0076] 13. Is the rack able to be removed?

[0077] Error conditions associated with accepting or rejecting a primarycontainer include:

[0078] 1. The bar code is not recognised by the laboratory computerisedmanagement system.

[0079] 2. The bar code is unreadable.

[0080] 3. The incorrect sample has been presented.

[0081] 4. There is insufficient sample volume in the container for therequired test which may be overridden in the case of multiple samplecollections.

[0082] 5. There is a restriction to flow in the sample aspiration and/ordispensing means. For example if the sample is blood and the blood hasclotted, or the sample is too viscous or there is a jam in the hardwareof the system.

[0083] Preferably the rack design incorporates its own unique bar codeidentifiers so that coordinated storage systems can be utilised as wellas being completely traceable at any stage of the process.

[0084] Preferably the information on the bar code is unique to eachpatient episode and the collected samples or specimens. This bar codecan be used to identify and locate all the secondary containersassociated with the relevant primary container.

[0085] Preferably the acceptance or rejection of and error conditionassociated with a primary container is displayed on electronic displaymeans and/or printed means.

[0086] Suitably the container cap removal and replacement means is arobotic arm having a specially adapted member to remove and replace thecap of a container.

[0087] Preferably the one or more secondary containers are plastic tubesand may have different volumes and shapes.

[0088] Preferably the sample aspiration and/or dispensing means hasmeans adapted to remove and dispose of used pipette tips.

[0089] Preferably the container storage means are racks for holdingmultiple containers.

[0090] Preferably the computerised laboratory information managementsystem is an integral part of the apparatus however may be an alreadyexisting system to which the pathology specimen tube distributor isinterfaced.

[0091] Preferably the container conveyance means is a continuousconveyer belt on which the containers may be placed in holding stands orracks. Alternatively, a robotic tray may be used for the same purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092]FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the systemaccording to the invention;

[0093]FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the apparatus for decapping andrecapping the primary specimen tubes for the system according to theinvention;

[0094]FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show side elevations of the apparatus of FIG.2;

[0095]FIG. 4 shows details of an embodiment of the pipette hopperillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0096]FIG. 5 shows details of the pipette arm illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0097]FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show the operation of the pipette arm of FIG.5;

[0098]FIG. 6C shows an embodiment of the sample aspiration anddispensing means for the system according to the invention;

[0099]FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement for samplelevel detection and clot detection;

[0100]FIGS. 6E and 6F show a tip ejection arrangement for the systemaccording to the present invention;

[0101]FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the secondary sample tube cappingapparatus for the system according to the invention;

[0102]FIG. 7B shows a schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 7A;

[0103]FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the imageanalyser for the system according to the invention;

[0104]FIG. 8B shows a side elevation of the image analyser of FIG. 8A;

[0105]FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of the hopper means for the systemaccording to the invention;

[0106]FIG. 9B shows an elevation of the hopper means of FIG. 9A;

[0107]FIGS. 9C and 9D show the operation of the sideways plunger of thehopper means of FIG. 9A,

[0108]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the basic operations of thecomputerised laboratory information management system according to theinvention;

[0109]FIG. 11 shows a partial perspective view of a sample tube loadingstation for the system according to the present invention;

[0110] FIGS. 12 to 15 show views of different situations at a bufferzone of a conveyor arrangement for the loading station shown in FIG. 11;

[0111]FIG. 16 shows details at the entrance of a tube reject zone of theconveyor arrangement for the loading station shown in FIG. 11; and

[0112]FIG. 17 shows an anti-jamming arrangement for preventing jammingon the conveyor arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0113] It can be seen in the overview of the system shown in FIG. 1 thatthe pathology specimen tube distribution system 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention comprises a loading station having alooped tube conveyer belt 12 on which are placed primary specimen tubes14 in carriers or pucks 190 (to be described with reference to FIGS. 11to 17). The primary specimen tubes 14 pass through a tube and sampleidentification arrangement of a tube handling station also known as thepresented tube handler 16 having specimen tube receiving andidentification means. Each specimen tube 14 for use in the system 10 hasa bar code sticker 88 (see FIG. 2) affixed adjacent to an area or windowof the tube 14 which allows the sample therein to be visible externallythereof. The primary specimen tubes 14 are rotated for bar code readingby a bar code reader 20. On reading the bar code, a signal is sent to acontroller (not shown) which stops the rotation so that the visiblewindow of the tube 14 is presented for images of the tube 14 to becaptured for image analysis by an image analyser 22 which in thisembodiment is a digital camera.

[0114] Accurate quantities of samples are then automatically aspiratedat an aliquoting arrangement having an aliquot bridge 24 whichincorporates the sample aspiration and dispensing means 86 (to bedescribed later). Associated with the aliquot bridge 24 is a pipettehopper 26 from which disposable pipette tips 28 (see FIG. 5) areautomatically loaded onto a probe 30 (see FIG. 5) in turn and soiledpipette tips 28 are disposed into a bin 32. The primary specimen tubes14 are then recapped with their original caps 34 (see FIG. 3) andtransported to a holding area having a holder 46 from which they arepicked up by a robotic arm (not shown) and placed in racks (not shown)in a distribution station 38 associated with the robotic arm.

[0115] The secondary sample tubes 15 which are loaded from secondarysample tube hoppers 40 pass through a tube labelling arrangement havingan automatic label printer and labeller 42. The labeller 42 applieslabels to the secondary sample tubes 15 (see FIG. 6) with informationcorresponding to information associated with the primary specimen tubes14. The secondary sample tubes 15 are then filled with the samplesaspirated from the primary specimen tubes 14 before being capped withlaminated caps 44 (see FIG. 7) by the capper 33 in a cappingarrangement. The labelled and capped secondary sample tubes 15 are thentransferred by a robotic arm (not shown) to racks (not shown) which arealso placed in the distribution station 38.

[0116]FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 100 which is responsible for decappingand recapping the primary specimen tubes 14 presented to it. As shownthe primary specimen tube 14 is held between the grippers 48, 50 of thetube handler 46. The decapping and recapping head 52 has pneumaticallyoperated jaws 54 coupled to a rotatable part 56 which allows the jaws 54to move laterally and to be rotated 360°. Due to the lateral movementthe head 52 can decap and recap different caps 34 of different sizes andtypes with the same action. The types of caps including rubber bungs,plastic covered bungs and screw caps.

[0117]FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are side elevations showing the decapping andrecapping head 52 of FIG. 2 engaging the cap 34 of the primary specimentube 14. The primary specimen tube 14 is pushed in the direction of thearrow 58 by the tube handler 46 onto the decapping and recapping head 52wherein the jaws 54 move radially inward as shown by the arrows 61 toengage the upper portion of the cap 34. The rotatable part 56 causes thejaws 54 to rotate 360° shown by arrows 60, 62 while at the same time theprimary specimen tube 14 is pulled downwards as shown by arrow 59 awayfrom the cap 34 by the tube handler 46. This results in the removal ofthe cap 34 from the primary specimen tube 14.

[0118] The recapping of the primary specimen tube 14 is the reverse ofthe decapping process wherein the specimen tube 14 is pushed back ontothe rotating cap 34 which prevents pressuring the tube 14.

[0119]FIG. 4 shows detail of the pipette hopper 26 illustrated in ofFIG. 1. There is shown detail of a pipette tip holder 64 holding rows ofpipette tips 28. The holder 64 slides in a frame 66 which allows thepipette tip holder 64 to move both horizontally and vertically. Thepipette tips 28 are pushed out of the holes 68 by a pneumatic plunger 70by movement in the direction to a pipette arm 72. As a pipette tip 28 ispushed out of its hole 68 in each row a stopper bar 74 which passesthrough the frame 66 engages the next pipette tip 28 which is moved intothe correct position for the plunger 70 to push it out. On theexhaustion of all the pipette tips 28 in a row the pipette tip holder 64moves downwards as shown by arrow 76 until the next row of pipette tips28 is in position for the plunger 70. The operations of the pipette tipholder 64 and movement of the frame 66 in relation to the plunger 70 aregoverned pneumatically. The movement of the frame 66 is via thepneumatic actuator 78 operating on a clevis pin assembly 80.

[0120]FIG. 5 shows detail of the pipette arm 72 illustrated in FIG. 4. Apipette tip 28 located in the jaws 82, 84 of the pipette arm 72 isplaced over a probe 30 of the sample aspiration and dispensing means 86.Also shown in FIG. 5 is a primary specimen tube 14 held in the tubehandler 46. There is also shown an optical sensor 20A to detect whethera specimen tube 14 is at the preset position.

[0121]FIG. 6A shows a side elevation of the action of the pipette arm 72illustrated FIG. 5. The pipette arm 72 engages a pipette tip 28 whichhas been pushed in the direction of arrow 90 by the plunger 70 from ahole 68 in the pipette tip holder 64 holding rows of pipette tips 28.

[0122]FIG. 6B shows the pipette arm 72 moving in the direction of arrow92 and placing the pipette tip 28 onto the probe 30 of the sampleaspiration and dispensing means 86. The pipette tip 28 is then loweredinto the primary specimen tube 14 in the direction of arrow 94 toaspirate a sample of the specimen. At the same time the plunger 70 iswithdrawn and the pipette tip holder 64 drops to the next row of pipettetips 28.

[0123]FIG. 6C shows the sample aspiration and dispensing means 86dispensing a sample aspirated from the primary specimen tube 14 to asecondary sample tube 15.

[0124] Prior to the sample aspiration operation, the system 10 of thepresent invention is arranged to detect the level of the sample in thetube 14. FIG. 6D shows a schematic view of components in a leveldetection arrangement 200 for both level and clot or clog detection.

[0125] The arrangement 200 has a tubing 96 with one end connected to anautomatically controlled pump which in this case is a syringe 98, andthe opposite end positioned for aspirating or dispensing through apipette tip 28. Also connected to the tubing 96 is a 2-port valve V01which is in connection with a low pressure air source through a flowrestriction 97, and a pressure sensor P01. A controller or controllersystem 104 which in this case is the same computer system forcontrolling the system 10 is arranged to control the 2-port valve andthe syringe 98. The controller 104 also controls movement of the pipettetip 28 towards and away from the tubes 14, 15.

[0126] In operation the system 10 is controlled so that the tube handler46 positions the tube 14 held therein under the raised pipette tip 28.The piston 99 in the syringe 98 is placed at its neutral or zeroposition as it is not used for level detection.

[0127] When the tube 14 is at that position the controller 104 opens thevalve V01 for the low pressure air to enter the tubing 96 and outthrough the tip 28. After elapse of a predetermined time for the airpressure to stabilise the controller 104 reads the pressure at thepressure sensor P01 and stores the read pressure as the referencebaseline pressure.

[0128] The controller 104 then controllably moves the tip 28 downwardsin discrete steps. At each step the pressure at P01 is read and comparedwith the stored baseline pressure. When the pressure difference isgreater than a predetermined value then the level of the sample isdetected.

[0129] On detection of the level of the sample, the controller 104closes the valve V01 and the syringe 98 is now ready for aspiration.

[0130] For aspiration, the controller 104 moves the tip 28 down slowlyand at a rate with the dropping sample level. At the same time thepressure at P01 is monitored. If the pressure form P01 drops below apredetermined value then a clot or clog at the tip 28 is detected. Thecontroller 104 immediately stops the aspiration operation and thedownward movement of the tip 28. The tip 28 detected with a clot or clogis then moved to a tip ejection arrangement 400 where it can either beejected automatically or be positioned for manual ejection.

[0131] The system 10 includes a pipette tip ejection arrangement 400 asshown in FIGS. 6E and 6F. Referring to FIG. 6E, the arrangement 400 hasa aliquot carriage 162 which is controlled to move towards an ejectionramp assembly comprising a horizontally arranged bar 164 and a pivotallymoveable bar 166. The bar 166 is connected to the moveable rod 168 of apneumatic actuator 170. In normal operation the rod 168 is positioned inthe extended position. The rod 168 thereby placing the bar 166 to form aramp surface.

[0132] The carriage 162 has a pair of spaced rollers 172 and 174 whichare arranged to receive the bars 164 and 166. The roller 174 is fixed toa body 176 which is slidable along the probe 30 and is biased in an upposition as shown.

[0133] When the sample in the tip 28 has been dispensed the controllercommands the carriage 162 to move towards the ejection assembly. Thebars 164 and 166, when entering the space between the two rollers 172and 174 come into contact with the roller 172 and 174 respectively.Further movement of the carriage 162 forces the body 176 to slidedownwardly along the probe 30 and at the same time the body 17[4]6pushes the tip 28 away from the probe 30 for ejection.

[0134] When a clot or clog in the tip is detected, the controllercommands the actuator 170 to retract, the rod 168 as shown in FIG. 6F.In this position the bars 164 and 166 can enter the space between therollers 172 and 174 freely, without causing ejection of the tip 28. Thesample in this tip 28 can therefore be recovered by manually switchingthe actuator to extend the rod 168.

[0135]FIG. 7A shows the secondary sample tube capping apparatus 33 whichcomprises a reel 110 holding laminate tape 112 and a take up reel 114for the tape 112 which has been used. The tape 112 passes through apunch and die assembly 116 which punches caps 44 (see FIG. 7). The caps44 are placed over the open ends of the secondary sample tubes 15 andeach laminate cap 44 is heated by the heater assembly 118 which resultsin the laminate cap 44 being sealed over the top of the secondary sampletubes 15. The secondary sample tubes 15 are held in holders 120 attachedto a conveyer belt 122.

[0136]FIG. 7B shows a schematic plan view of the apparatus 33 of FIG.7A. Reel 110 holding laminate tape 112 is passed over a spring loadedtensioner 124 which allows the tape 112 to be dispensed withoutaccelerating the reel 110 as it passes onto rollers 126, 128. The tape110 passes pneumatic cylinder punches 130, 132 which selectively punchout the caps 44 of different diameters for the secondary sample tubes 15which may have openings of different sizes (not shown). The punched outcaps 44 are held by a vacuum line (not shown) and moved by a transportdevice 134 to be placed over the tops of the secondary sample tubes 15(not shown) wherein they are affixed using a heater assembly 118. Arotatary actuator 135 is provided to swing the caps 44 around for heatsealing by the heater assembly 118. A pneumatic actuator 136 isselectively controlled to move to one of the punches 130, 132 from whicha cap is to be removed. Low supplies of the tape 112 are detected by theindicator 138 in contact with the spool of tape 140. The take up reel114 is rotated by a motor 139 and is associated with an indexing motor141 to move the tape 112 the correct distance pass the pneumaticcylinder punches 130, 132.

[0137]FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an image analysing apparatus300 comprising a digital camera 22 and a bar code reader 20. Light froma fluorescent bulb 142 is shone on the primary specimen tube 14 and thedigital camera 22 captures the shape of the tube 14 and the colour ofthe cap 34 reflected by a mirror 144, and the bar code reader 20 readsthe bar code label 88 on the tube 14. The mirror 144 is used to view thecolour of the top of the cap 34 on the tube 14 only. This allows thesystem to positively identify tubes 14 which have two colours on the topof the cap. The digital camera 22 also captures the dimensions of thetube 14 and the depth of the layer of the specimen to the analysed,amongst a number of layers of the specimen in the tube 14. In order thatthe specimen is correctly captured by the digital camera 22, acontroller (not shown), upon receiving a signal from the reader 20,rotates a pair of grippers of the tube handler 46 holding the tube 14 bya predetermined angle so that the camera 22 can capture images of thesample through a portion or window of the tube 14 not obscured by thelabel 88 and the tube manufacture's label (not shown).

[0138]FIG. 8B is a side elevation of the image analyser 300 of FIG. 8A.The image of the tube 14 reflected by the mirror 144 is captured by thelens 148 of the digital camera 22 which also records the colour orcolours of the cap 34. The bar code label 88 on the tube 14 is read bythe bar code reader 20. Illumination for imagining the tube 14 isprovided by fluorescent lamps 142.

[0139] In this embodiment, a number of windows within the field of viewof the camera 22 are defined for capturing images of parts of the tube14. In addition a pair of windows are defined for capturing respectivecontrasting black and white colour patches arranged in fixed positionsin front of the camera 22.

[0140] The captured images of the contrasting colour patches are used tocalibrate a bias due to variation in brightness of the light 142. Thebias is calibrated in this embodiment by comparing the brightness levelbetween captured images of the colour patches and that stored in memoryof a computer of the controller.

[0141] Following adjustment of the calibrated bias the captured imagesthrough said plurality of windows are compared to stored images ofcorresponding windows, using an algorithm.

[0142] For the tube identification and liquid level detection thecontroller is programmed to image predefined windows and maximumtolerance of differential as follows:

[0143] 1. Define the coordinates of sub-image area used for tubeidentification;

[0144] 2. Define the coordinates of black colour calibration patch;

[0145] 3. Define the coordinates of white colour calibration patch;

[0146] 4. Define the coordinates of cap top view (via mirror) (ref.A1)

[0147] 5. Define the coordinates of cap profile (must include capprofile regardless of tube length.) (ref.A2)

[0148] 6. Define the maximum image difference tolerance (ref.MD); and

[0149] 7. Define the coordinates of sub-image area used for liquid leveldetection.

[0150] Information for each type of tubes 14, 15 is obtained by thefollowing procedure:

[0151] 1. Place tube in front of camera;

[0152] 2. Take picture of full field view with 24 bit RGB colour depth;

[0153] 3. Create sub-images of areas used for tube identification (topview of cap via mirror and profile view including the cap and at least 1cm of tube body of the smallest tube, and the black and white colourcalibration areas.)

[0154] 4. Enter a unique tube identifier text in TID;

[0155] 5. Enter relevant physical attributes or characteristics of tube(diameter, length, max volume, cap type . . . );

[0156] 6. Enter gel/no gel attribute;

[0157] 7. Enter specimen type associated with this tube; and

[0158] 8. Save sub-images and data to storage media.

[0159] To minimise error readings due to variations in light level abiasing factor is first determined by calculating the average value ofthe white and the black colour calibrations areas and save it in memory.The information saved in the storage media is loaded in RAM memory priorto imaging an incoming tube by:

[0160] 1. Place the tube in front of the camera with the gap levelfacing the camera;

[0161] 2. Take picture of full field view with 24 bit RGB colour depth;

[0162] 3. Create sub-images of areas used for tube identification (topview of cap via mirror and profile view including the cap and at least 1cm of tube of the smallest tube, and the black and a white colourcalibration areas);

[0163] 4. Calculate the average value (using Pixel values) of the whiteand the black colour calibration area and save it in memory;

[0164] 5. Process the current sub-image against all calibrated tubes inthe following way:

[0165] Create a look-up table for RGB values using the average valuesfrom the black/white colour calibration of the current image andreference images. (ref. LUT)

[0166] Subtract A1 of current image from A1 of reference using LUT andstore value as D1;

[0167] Subtract A2 of current image from A2 of reference image using LUTand store value as D2;

[0168] Add D1 and D2 and save as total difference in DT; and

[0169] If current DT is the smallest DT of the run then save this DT asDS and store the tube id in TID.

[0170] 6. If DS is smaller than the MD then a valid tube is identified;

[0171] 7. Use TID to find the physical parameters of the tube and theassociated specimen tube.

[0172] For detection of the sample level of the identified tube thefollowing steps are followed:

[0173] 1. Create sub-images or areas used for liquid level detection(centre part of tube about 50 pixels wide and full length to tubeprofile). Exclude top view via mirror;

[0174] 2. Blank out unused areas (cap area, bottom radius) using thephysical properties of the tube;

[0175] 3. Run a laplace filter through all pixel columns of all coloursof the sub-images and store result in memory;

[0176] 4. Find edges in laplace results and store result in memory;

[0177] 5. Combine the edges of RCB into one edge value array;

[0178] 6. Filter edge value array using a block filter;

[0179] 7. Validate the remaining edges against the physical propertiesof the tube;

[0180] 8. Validate the remaining edges against max. and min. volumeparameters of the tube;

[0181] 9. Validate the remaining edges against the gel/no gel parameterof the tube; and

[0182] 10. Use the remaining edges as top liquid level and bottom liquidlevel.

[0183] The type of tube 14 being viewed is identified when matchingimages are found or when images within a predetermined threshold ofmatching are found. Any of the tubes 14 not meeting one of theseconditions are rejected and returned to the loading station.

[0184] This system effectively combines characteristics of the tube 14for identifying the type of tube 14 before the camera 22. Thecharacteristics include cap colour, cap shape and overall tubedimensions.

[0185] Along with information in the windows for capturingcharacteristics of each type of tubes 14, in the memory are also storedinformation relating to corresponding brand, type, volume, gel contentetc. Therefore when a match or close match is determined, the computercan identify the type of tube 14 and the volume of the plasma or serumavailable in the sample tube 14.

[0186]FIG. 9A shows the hopper means 40 wherein horizontally alignedsecondary sample tubes 15 packaged in a triangular shaped container 150may be loaded into the upper portion 41 of the hopper 40. A Y shapedguide 152 causes the sample tubes 15 to fall in the correct verticalposition into holders 120 on a conveyer belt 122. Although not shown indetail the secondary sample tubes 15 are delivered to a rotary magazine154 prior to release into the guide 152.

[0187]FIG. 9B shows an elevation of the hopper means 40 of FIG. 9Awherein the secondary sample tubes 15 from the container 150 are loadedinto circumferentially located compartments 156 of the rotary magazine154. The magazine 154 is rotated by a motor 157 with a drive beltassembly 158 and the secondary sample tubes 15 are allowed to fall intothe guide 152 and into the holders 120 of the conveyer belt 122.

[0188]FIG. 9C shows the sideways plunger 158 in co-operation with therotary magazine 154. When the plunger 158 is not in contact with aclosed end of a secondary sample tube 15 it does not displace the tube15 and the tube 15 falls into the guide 152 in the correct verticalposition.

[0189]FIG. 9D shows the sideways plunger 112 when in contact with aclosed end of a secondary sample tube 15 causes the tube 15 to bedisplaced in the direction of the arrow 160 resulting in the displacedtube 15 falling into the guide 152 in the correct vertical position.

[0190]FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of the computerised laboratoryinformation management system 10, referred to as LIMS in the flow chart,according to the invention. A primary specimen tube 14 containing aspecimen is introduced to the system 10 by placing it in a tube holdingdevice (step A) also referred to as the presented tube handler in thedescription of FIG. 1. The bar code 88 on the primary specimen tube 14is read by a bar code reader 20 (step B). The specimen tube type andlevel of specimen in the tube 14 is determined by the image analyser 22as hereinabove described (step C). Patient information stored on thecomputerised laboratory information management system is retrieved (stepD) to determine what destinations or rack stations 38 associated withthe specimen require tubes 14 (step E). If no secondary sample tubes 15are required the primary specimen tube 14 is delivered to a particulardestination or rack in the work station area 38 of the robotic arm aspreviously described (step F). If secondary sample tubes 15 arerequired, secondary sample tubes are introduced into the system 10 (stepG) wherein they are label led with information retrieved from thecomputerised laboratory information management system (step H). Thesecondary sample tubes 15 are then filled with samples aspirated fromthe primary specimen tube 14 (step I) and the secondary sample tubes 15are then automatically capped (step J). The capped secondary sampletubes 15 are then transferred to racks which are also placed in the workstation 38 of the robotic arm as previously described (step K).Information concerning the placement of tubes 14, 15 in specificdestination racks is also sent to the computerised laboratoryinformation management system (step L).

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 17 there is shown a sample tube loadingstation 500 for the system 10 (partial view only) according to thepresent invention. The station 500 has an articulated tube conveyor 12which loops around a holding area 182 and is positioned on a support184.

[0192] The conveyor 12 has a barrier 186 dividing a section of theconveyor 12 into a buffer zone 188 for receiving carriers or pucks 190with tubes 14 positioned thereon and a by-pass passage 189. The tubes 14in the buffer zone 188 are for loading onto the tube handling station 16by the tube handler 46 (see FIG. 2).

[0193] As shown clearly in FIGS. 12 to 15, a diversion bar 192positioned at the entrance of the buffer zone 188 and just above emptiedpucks 190 allows the empty pucks 190 to move into the by-pass passage189 (see FIGS. 12 and 14). The pucks 190 with tubes 14 therein arediverted or guided into the buffer zone 188 due to contact of the tubes14 with the diversion bar 192 (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0194] When the buffer zone 188 is full empty pucks 190 as well as pucks190 loaded with tubes 14 move only into the by-pass 189 as shown in FIG.15.

[0195] Referring again to FIG. 11, the conveyor 12 also has a tubereject zone 194 for receiving the tubes 14 that have been rejected bythe tube handling station 16.

[0196] When the system 10 detects that the presented tube 14 is not arecognised tube type or the bar code is not readable or otherwisedefective, the handler 46 returns the tube 14 to the puck 190. Apneumatic actuated pin (not shown) is then actuated to push the puck 190with the defective tube 14 out of a self-closing gate (not shown). Therejected tube 14 as shown in FIG. 16 is then diverted into the rejectzone 194 by way of another diversion bar 196 positioned at the entranceof the zone 194. As for the bar 192, the bar 196 is also positioned toallow empty pucks 190 to move into the by-pass passage 189 which extendsto bordering the reject zone 194. A partition 198 is fixed in positionbefore the reject zone 194 in order to prevent other loaded pucks fromentering the reject zone 194.

[0197] The pneumatically actuated pin is also employed to push the pucks190 in the buffer zone 188 out through the gate once the system 10determines that the tubes 14 from these pucks 190 are to proceedforward.

[0198] Shown more clearly in FIG. 17 is an oscillating disc 199 whichforces the pucks 190 to move on and thereby preventing the pucks 190from jamming on the conveyor 180.

[0199] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example ofthe present invention many variations and modifications thereto will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broadambit and scope of the invention as herein set forth.

1. A sample container handling apparatus for a pathology sampledistribution system having a plurality of containers and the containerseach being arranged to contain a sample for pathology analysis, theapparatus including container sealing means for sealing the or each saidcontainers with samples dispensed therein, the container sealing meanshaving a source of heat sensitive lamination tape, means for punchingthe tape to form a cap seal for the or each said container, means forplacing said cap seal over the top of the or each said container andmeans for heating the cap seal over the or each said container to causethe cap seal to seal the or each said container.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the container sealing means having arotatable pay out reel around which the source of heat sensitive tape iswound and the tape is transferred along a tape travel path to arotatable take up reel for receiving the tape with cap seals punchedtherefrom.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the containersealing means further having a tape tensioner arranged to apply tensionto the tape for controlling acceleration of the tape along the tapetravel path.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said punchingmeans having a set of punches of different diameters and a punchactuator being controllably movable to actuate any of the punches forpunching cap seals of a selected diameter.
 5. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein said placing means having a vacuum line adapted to holdthe punched out cap seal and a transport device adapted to controllablyplace the vacuum line so that the cap seal is positioned over the top ofthe or each said container.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein a rotatable actuator being arranged to rotate the cap seal forheat sealing by the heating means.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 2wherein a low tape supply detector being associated with the pay outreel for providing an indication when the tape around the pay out reelis low.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein a motor isarranged to rotate the take up reel, and the motor being associated withan indexing means for controlling the motor to move the tape at anindexed distance along the travel path.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the plurality of containers are of different types andthe apparatus further including a container handling station arrangedfor receiving the containers in turn, the handling station including acontainer identification means for obtaining one or more characteristicsof a container presented for identification and identifying thecontainer type by comparing the obtained characteristic orcharacteristics with predetermined characteristics of the containertypes, wherein a container type is identified when the obtainedcharacteristic or characteristics match or are within a predeterminedrange from matching one predetermined characteristic or one set of thepredetermined characteristics for the container type.
 10. The apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the handling station includes a sampleidentification means for identifying the sample by obtaining theidentification indicator on the presented container and the obtainedsample identification is used for the pathology analysis prescribed forthe sample.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the sampleidentification means is a bar code scanner and the sample identificationindicator is a bar coded label fixed to the container.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the container identification means is animage analyser for capturing an image or images containing the one ormore characteristics of the container and a light source forilluminating the container, said one or more characteristics includingat least one of a dimension or dimensions of the container, one or moreareas of the container and the colour or colours of the cap of thecontainer.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the imageanalyser is arranged to detect the level and/or volume of the sample orcomponent of the sample for analysis and the handling station isprovided with a controller which controls a rotatable containerreceiving means for positioning the container so that a window in thecontainer allowing the sample to be visible externally is positionedbefore the image analyser.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13wherein the sample identification means produces a signal to thecontroller when the sample identification indicator is detected and thecontroller in turn stops the container at a predetermined position sothat the window is before the analyser.
 15. The apparatus according toclaim 9 wherein the apparatus comprises processing means having astorage device for storing said predetermined characteristic or set ofcharacteristics relating to each container type.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 15 wherein the processing means is arranged to accessinformation relating to analysis prescribed for each sample online froma remote computer or from the storage device.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein the apparatus utilises the sampleinformation for the determination of whether or not aspiration of thesample in an identified container is required, and if required thevolume to be dispensed in one or each secondary container.
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 16 wherein the apparatus utilises thesample information for the determination of placement for the containersand/or secondary containers in a container distribution station.
 19. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said containershaving a cap and the apparatus including a container distributor havinga cap removal and replacement means including a container holder movablewith respect to a rotatable cap engagement member, the holder beingarranged to hold a capped container positioned thereat and tocontrollably move towards the cap engagement member for engagingtherewith the cap of the capped container, and the cap removal andreplacement means being arranged to rotate the engaged cap as the holderis controlled to move away from the cap engagement member therebyuncapping the capped container.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19wherein the cap removal and replacement means is further arranged sothat the holder can be controlled to move the uncapped container, sealedor open, towards the cap which is engaged with the cap engagementmember, and the cap engagement is adapted to rotate the engaged cap asthe holder is controlled to move the uncapped container towards the capengaged with the cap engagement member for replacement of the cap ontothe uncapped container.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 19 whereinthe cap engagement member having jaw parts arranged to grip onto the capand the cap removal and replacement means being adapted to rotate thejaw parts as the holder is control led to move away from to the capengagement member for uncapping the capped container.
 22. The apparatusaccording to claim 20 wherein the cap engagement member having jaw partsarranged to grip onto the cap and the cap removal and replacement meansbeing adapted to rotate the jaw parts as the holder is controlled tomove away from to the cap engagement member for uncapping the cappedcontainer, and to rotate the engaged cap for replacement of the cap ontothe uncapped container as the uncapped container is pushed onto the capwhile the holder is controlled to move towards the cap engagementmember.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatusincluding a container distributor having sample aspiration and/ordispensing means for aspirating and/or dispensing volumetrically apredetermined portion of the sample in or to at least one of thecontainers, the sample aspiration and/or dispensing means including apipette tip holder for holding a plurality of pipette tips, a pipetteprobe, an articulated arm arranged for removing a pipette tip from theholder and place the pipette tip onto the probe, and a pipette tipremoving means arranged to remove the pipette tip from the probe fordeposition in a disposal receptacle.
 24. The apparatus according toclaim 23 wherein the apparatus including a blockage detection means fordetecting blockage of flow in a sample aspiration means including apipette tip for aspirating volumetrically a predetermined portion of asample in a container, a pipette tip controller is arranged to move thetip towards the sample in the container, the blockage detection meansincluding a pressure sensitive module having a pump for aspiration ofthe sample through the tip, the blockage detection means being arrangedto detect blockage in the tip and thereby to provide a warning signaland to cause the operation of the sample aspiration means to be arresteduntil the blockage has been resolved.
 25. The apparatus according toclaim 24 wherein the apparatus further including a sample leveldetection means having a low pressure generating means for applying lowpressure to the aspiration means, pressure sensor means for sensing thepressure in the aspiration means and an actuator for moving the tiptowards the sample, the sample level is detected when the pressure assensed by the sensor means exceeds a predetermined margin from said lowpressure.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the apparatusincluding automatic labelling means for the application of an adhesivelabel to the or each said container with samples dispensed therein, theautomatic labelling means includes one or more spools of adhesivelabels, means for providing a sample identification indicator foridentifying a dispensed sample on one of said adhesive labels, sampleidentification means for verifying that the applied indicator on saidone label corresponds to the indicator of the container from which thesample is aspirated, and means for detecting errors in the indicators onthe labelled container or the absence of a label.
 27. The apparatusaccording to claim 23 wherein the apparatus including hopper means forreceiving and delivering one or more of the containers, and containeralignment means arranged for aligning the containers from asubstantially horizontal position to a vertical position with the openends positioned to receive samples when the containers are deliveredfrom said hopper means.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 27 whereinthe container alignment means includes a rotary magazine havingcircumferentially located compartments to hold substantiallyhorizontally positioned containers, a sideways plunger member arrangedin co-operation with the magazine and a guide positioned beneath themagazine to change the position of the containers released from themagazine from the horizontal to the vertical position, in operation theplunger member pushes a closed end of a container so that the displacedcontainer released from the magazine falls into the guide in thevertical position, said co-operating plunger member when not in contactwith a closed end, does not push a container which when released, fallsinto the guide in the vertical position.
 29. The apparatus according toclaim 23 wherein the apparatus including a loading station having aconveyor arrangement for conveying the containers in position to beloaded onto a tube handling station, the conveyor arrangement having amovable conveyor surface on which carriers for carrying said containerscan be placed, the conveyor surface having a first section arranged witha barrier dividing said first section into a buffer zone and a by-passpassage for the carriers, the buffer zone having an entrance and adiversion part is arranged adjacent to the entrance, in operation thediversion part diverts the carriers carrying containers into the bufferzone and empty carriers are allowed to continue to move into the by-passpassage.
 30. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the diversionpart is arranged so that when the buffer zone is full of carriers withtubes, other carriers with or without tubes continue to move into theby-pass passage.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein thebuffer zone has a controllably actuable member positioned opposite tosaid entrance and the actuable member is controlled to push a carrierout of the buffer zone after the container on said carrier has beenloaded onto the handling station or a rejected tube is placed on saidcarrier in the buffer zone.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 31wherein the conveyor surface having a second section arranged withanother barrier dividing said second section into a reject zone forreceiving carriers with rejected containers and a by-pass passage forother carriers, the reject zone having a diversion part arranged todivert the carriers carrying rejected containers into the reject zoneand to allow empty carriers to continue to move into the by-passpassage.
 33. A pathology sample distribution system having a pluralityof primary containers of different types, the containers each containinga sample for pathology analysis, and a number of the primary containersbeing capped, the system includes: sample aspiration and/or dispensingmeans for aspirating and/or dispensing volumetrically proportions of thesamples from the primary containers; wherein in operation each primarycontainer containing a sample is presented to container identificationmeans for identification of the tube type and the primary containerbeing accepted or rejected according to given criteria; theidentification means being arranged to reject a container when it failsto detect the given criteria and thereby indicating the presence of anerror condition, when the given criteria are detected the cap of theprimary container is removed and aliquots of the sample aspirated by thesample aspiration and/or dispensing means are dispensed to a secondarycontainer or containers; and secondary container sealing means andsecondary container labelling means; the sealing means and the labellingmeans being respectively arranged for sealing and labelling thesecondary containers following dispensing of the aliquots to thesecondary container or containers.
 34. The system according to claim 33wherein the system having primary container cap removal and replacementmeans for removal of the cap of each said capped primary containersfollowing detection of said given criteria, and for replacement of theremoved cap onto the respective uncapped container aspiration of thesample by the sample aspiration and/or dispensing means.
 35. The systemaccording to claim 33 wherein the system including hopper means forsecondary containers each with a closed end and an open end, the hoppermeans having container alignment means arranged for delivering thesecondary containers in a vertical position and with the open endsthereof in position to receive samples.
 36. The system according toclaim 33 wherein the system including blockage detection means fordetecting blockage of flow in the sample aspiration means.
 37. Thesystem according to claim 36 wherein the system including secondarycontainer storage means for storing the sealed and labelled secondarycontainer or containers.
 38. The system according to claim 33 whereinthe system including container conveyance means arranged so that theconveyance of the primary containers and the secondary containersbetween operational steps is via the container conveyance means and theprocesses in the operational steps are coordinated and controlled by acomputerised laboratory information management system.
 39. A pathologysample distribution system having a plurality of containers of differenttypes and the containers each containing a sample for pathology analysisa pathology specimen, the system comprises a loading station for loadingsaid containers, a container handling station arranged to receive thecontainers in turn from the loading station, and distribution stationwith areas or distribution holders marked for specific analysingprocesses, the handling station includes the apparatus as claimed inclaim
 1. 40. A sample container handling apparatus for a pathologysample distribution system having a plurality of containers and thecontainers each containing a sample for pathology analysis, theapparatus comprises a container distributor having a cap removal andreplacement means including a container holder movable with respect to arotatable cap engagement member, in operation a capped containerpositioned in the holder which is controllably moved towards the capengagement member, and the cap engagement member having jaw partsarranged to grip onto the cap and rotate the cap as the holder movesrelative to the cap engagement member thereby uncapping the container,and for replacement of the cap the holder moves the uncapped containerrelative to the cap gripped by the jaw parts and the cap engagement andremoval means rotates the jaw members and thereby rotating the cap ontothe container as the container is pushed towards the cap.
 41. A samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis, the apparatus comprises a containerdistributor having sample aspiration and/or dispensing means foraspirating and/or dispensing volumetrically a predetermined portion ofthe sample in or to a container, the sample aspiration and/or dispensingmeans including a pipette tip holder for holding a plurality of pipettetips, a pipette probe, an articulated arm arranged for removing apipette tip from the holder and place the pipette tip onto the probe,and a pipette tip removing means arranged to remove the pipette tip fromthe probe for deposition in a disposal receptacle.
 42. A samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis, the apparatus comprises a blockagedetection means for detecting blockage of flow in a sample aspirationmeans including a pipette tip for aspirating volumetrically apredetermined portion of a samples in a container, a pipette tipcontroller is arranged to move the tip towards the sample in thecontainer, the blockage detection means including a pressure sensitivemodule having a pump for aspiration of the sample through the tip, theblockage detection means being arranged to detect blockage in the tipand thereby to provide a warning signal and to cause the operation ofthe sample aspiration means to be arrested until the blockage has beenresolved.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein the apparatusfurther comprises a sample level detection means which includes a lowpressure generating means for applying low pressure to the aspirationmeans, pressure sensor means for sensing the pressure in the aspirationmeans and an actuator for moving the tip towards the sample, the samplelevel is detected when the pressure as sensed by the sensor meansexceeds a predetermined margin from said low pressure.
 44. A samplecontainer handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution systemhaving a plurality of containers and the containers each containing asample for pathology analysis, the apparatus comprises automaticlabelling means for the application of adhesive labels to containerswith samples dispensed therein, the automatic labelling means includesone or more spools of adhesive labels, means to provide sampleidentification indicators on the adhesive labels, a sampleidentification means to verify that the indicators on the labelscorresponds to the indicators of containers from which the samples areaspirated, and means for detecting errors in the indicators on thelabelled containers or the absence of a label.
 45. A sample containerhandling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having aplurality of containers for pathology analysis, each container having aclosed end and an open end, the apparatus comprises hopper means forreceiving and delivering one or more of the containers, and containeralignment means arranged for aligning the containers from asubstantially horizontal position to a vertical position with the openends positioned to receive samples when the containers are deliveredfrom said hopper means.
 46. The apparatus according to claim 38 whereinthe container alignment means includes a rotary magazine havingcircumferentially located compartments to hold substantiallyhorizontally positioned containers, a sideways plunger member arrangedin co-operation with the magazine and a guide positioned beneath themagazine to change the position of the containers released from themagazine from the horizontal to the vertical position, in operation theplunger member pushes a closed end of a container so that the displacedcontainer released from the magazine falls into the guide in thevertical position, said co-operating plunger member when not in contactwith a closed end, does not push a container which when released, fallsinto the guide in the vertical position.
 47. A sample container handlingapparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having a pluralityof containers and the containers each containing a sample for pathologyanalysis, the apparatus comprises a loading station having a conveyorarrangement for conveying the containers in position to be loaded onto atube handling station, the conveyor arrangement including a movableconveyor surface on which carriers for carrying said containers can beplaced, the conveyor surface having a first section arranged with abarrier dividing said first section into a buffer zone and a by-passpassage for the carriers, the buffer zone having an entrance and adiversion part is arranged adjacent to the entrance, in operation thediversion part diverts the carriers carrying containers into the bufferzone and empty carriers are allowed to continue to move into the by-passpassage.
 48. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the diversionpart is arranged so that when the buffer zone is full of carriers withtubes, other carriers with or without tubes continue to move into theby-pass passage.
 49. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein thebuffer zone has a controllably actuable member positioned opposite tosaid entrance and the actuable member is control led to push a carrierout of the buffer zone after the container on said carrier has beenloaded onto the handling station or a rejected tube is placed on saidcarrier in the buffer zone.
 50. The apparatus according to claim 49wherein the conveyor surface having a second section arranged withanother barrier dividing said second section into a reject zone forreceiving carriers with rejected containers and a by-pass passage forother carriers, the reject zone having a diversion part arranged todivert the carriers carrying rejected containers into the reject zoneand to allow empty carriers to continue to move into the by-passpassage.